Local 4245 was chartered with the International Association of Fire Fighters on April 1, 2003.  Since then, the membership has grown from about 30 members to 42 members today.  The Local's membership has never dropped below 92% of eligible employees and today this translates into 42 out of 44 eligible employees as members.

In 2002 the full time firefighters began to investigate retaining membership with the International for several reasons.  The members felt it was important to have the massive resources available to it through the International.  Some of these resources include case law, salary information, staffing surveys and training opportunities. 

Most importantly, the members wanted to recognize the hard work of the IAFF and it's members since 1918 for its role in firefighter safety.  Most of the standards in place under NFPA are there because of the lobbying efferts throught the IAFF at the federal level.  None of that would have happened without the dues of the firefighters and the time and effort of firefighters both on the national level as well as the community level.

Another reason for joining was to give the members a"support system" to refer to when communicating with the Fire Chief and the Fire Board over subjects like salaries and benefits, staffing, safety, and working conditions.  To this day most of our communication with the Board and Fire Chief has been about salaries.  Since the inception of the Local, our salaries have increased tremendously.  Our staffing has improved as well.  All of this has happened without being "recognized" by the Fire Board and without a contract. 

While we believe we have made progress without a contract, it is important that the Local continue on the path toward a more "official" relationship with the Fire Board.  This will enable the Local to have direct input about our own futures and to discuss many issues directly with the Fire Board and the Fire Chief on a regular and formal basis.

As President of Local 4245, I would like to thank it's members for their time and dues given to support the Local.  I would also like to thank the Fire Board and the Fire Chief for continuing the effort to increase wages and improve working conditions as the District grows.